123 Done: Caprese Salad to Go

A home cooked dish is a popular way to welcome new neighbors. How about giving something unique that the homeowner can prepare in their new kitchen without a lot of fuss? This how-to provides you with a quick and easy way to make a thoughtful and edible gift.

You'll need the following ingredients:

Mason jar with lid

enough cherry tomatoes to fill the jar halfway

small bundle of basil stems

A small ball of fresh mozzarella wrapped in plastic

A note card and piece of string

Directions:

Fill the Mason jar halfway full with cherry tomatoes and top with a small bundle of basil stems.

Throw in a ball of fresh mozzarella wrapped in plastic and seal the jar.

Tie on a note card with a hand-written recipe of how to make Caprese salad.

If the recipient can't make the salad that day, instruct them to store the cheese in the refrigerator. The basil will keep unrefrigerated for a few days in glass filled with water like a flower arrangement or an airtight bag with a damp paper towel.

Caprese Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

3-4 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

black pepper, ground to taste

sea salt to taste

fresh basil leaves

cherry tomatoes, halved

fresh mozzarella, sliced into rounds

Directions:
Arrange the mozzarella on a platter. Top with tomatoes and basil. Sprinkle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.